The Moncton homelessness crisis is a growing reality that’s becoming impossible to ignore. A city once known for its charm and community spirit is now grappling with an issue that’s affecting individuals, families, and the very fabric of society. At the centre of this crisis is the intersection between addiction and homelessness, two challenges intricately linked and profoundly difficult to address.

This article shares the story of Dyllan Taylor Humphrey’s search for her younger brother, whose battle with addiction has left him homeless on the streets of Moncton. Through her eyes, we’ll explore the harsh realities many face and the urgent need for compassion and resources to combat addiction in Moncton.

Searching the Streets

When Dyllan Taylor Humphrey walked through the streets of Moncton, her mission was clear—to find her younger brother. Homeless and battling a 12-year addiction, her brother was somewhere in the city, but where?

After hours of searching, she found him in a convenience store parking lot, sifting through a garbage bag for something to eat. For Taylor Humphrey, it was an emotional moment filled with heartbreak, fear, and guilt.

“It’s a strange thing to love somebody with an addiction,” she said. “But it’s even harder to walk through their environment and see their reality.”

Her brother, once an honours student and promising athlete, was now unrecognisable, thin and exhausted. The cheerful boy she remembered from childhood was gone, replaced by a person in survival mode.

Addiction and its Link to Homelessness

The Moncton homelessness crisis isn’t an isolated issue. Across New Brunswick, the numbers tell a grim story. According to the Human Development Council, 768 people were homeless in Moncton for at least a day in March 2024, compared to 724 just a few months earlier. For many, addiction is a major factor contributing to homelessness.

Substance abuse often creates a vicious cycle. Individuals battling addiction may face job losses, strained family relationships, and financial difficulties, all of which increase their risk of losing stable housing. Tragically, once on the streets, they are more vulnerable to further substance abuse as a means of coping with their situation.

The Daily Struggle

Walking through central Moncton, Taylor Humphrey witnessed the daily struggles faced by those without homes. Groups of people huddled in abandoned lots or wandered the streets pulling shopping carts of belongings.

“I had no idea the homeless population was this extensive,” she said. “I saw people of all ages, from their 20s to their 60s, in their most vulnerable state.”

Her brother was no exception. Despite her efforts to provide him with food, warm clothing, and a safe place to rest for a few hours, the challenges of life on the streets persisted. By the time she saw him again, the backpack and clothes she had given him had already been stolen.

This grim reality highlights the lack of resources and security that many like her brother face every day.

Overdoses and a Dangerous Drug Landscape

A significant dimension of the addiction crisis in Moncton is the prevalence of dangerous drugs. Every day, first responders attend an average of 8-10 overdose calls. Deputy Chief Keith Guptill has seen firsthand how tainted drugs, often laced with substances like benzodiazepines, increase the risk of overdose and complicate recovery attempts.

The city’s resources, such as naloxone kits, offer some support by reversing opioid-related overdoses, but they’re not always effective against these mixed drug cocktails.

“The combination of drugs makes it harder to reverse overdoses,” said Guptill, underscoring the need for more comprehensive solutions.

Hope and Support

Despite the challenges, organisations like Ensemble Moncton offer glimmers of hope. Services such as safe injection sites, medical support, and assistance finding housing provide essential lifelines for people battling addiction.

Scott Phipps, Ensemble’s executive director, explains, “The reality is they don’t want to die. They come here because they know someone is watching over them and will be there to help.”

For Taylor Humphrey, Ensemble offered a momentary relief. After reconnecting with her brother, she dropped him off at the organisation, knowing it was a safe place where he could access resources that might save his life.

A Mother and Sister’s Guilt

For families of those battling addiction, the experience is filled with guilt. Taylor Humphrey often wonders if there is more she could do.

“When I lay down in my bed at night, safe and warm under a roof, I think about where he is. Is he safe? Is he warm?”

The judgment from others only adds to the burden. Many ask why families don’t take their loved ones into their homes. Taylor Humphrey explained how complex the issue is.

“I have two young children and I can’t expose them to that environment. I want them to remember their uncle as the vibrant person he is, not as someone in the depths of addiction.”

The Urgent Need for Solutions

Moncton’s homelessness crisis won’t disappear overnight. Addressing it requires compassion, resources, and systemic change. For addicts like Taylor Humphrey’s brother, time is critical. Long waitlists for addiction treatment often mean by the time help is available, it’s already too late.

Addiction doesn’t just impact individuals; it affects families, communities, and society as a whole. A coordinated effort to expand harm reduction programs, improve access to treatment, and provide secure housing is essential.

Taylor Humphrey keeps hope alive for her brother. “We just have to set him up again and wait for the day he decides to change his life.” But hope alone won’t solve the problem.

The Moncton homelessness crisis and addiction in Moncton require immediate attention and action on all levels. These are human lives. They deserve better.

Source: CBC